45 Days to Kickoff: Metea Valley

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NBCSportsChicago.com preps reporter "Edgy" Tim O’Halloran spotlights 100 high school football teams in 100 days. The first 75 team profiles will focus on teams making strides across Chicagoland and elsewhere in the state. Starting July 30, we’ll unveil the @NBCSPrepsTop 25 Power Rankings, leading up to kickoff on Friday, Aug. 24.

School: Metea Valley

Head coach: Ben Kleinhans

Assistant coaches: Matt Main, Eric Kramer, Russ Lorenz, John Aister, Jeff Schey, Jim Braun, Rick Kleinhans, Drew Fumagalli, Chris LeRoy, Tom Doromal, Alex Malandro, Jason Royal, Albert Zika, Ron Edwards and Tony Casa

How they fared in 2017: 1-8 (0-8 DuPage Valley Conference). Metea Valley failed to qualify for the IHSA state football playoffs.

2018 Regular Season Schedule:

Aug. 24 @ Wheaton South

Aug. 31 vs Lake Park

Sept. 7 vs DeKalb

Sept. 14 @ Naperville North

Sept. 21 vs Naperville Central

Sept. 28 @ Bradley

Oct. 5 vs Naperville North

Oct. 12 @ Neuqua Valley

Oct. 19 vs Waubonsie Valley

[MORE: 46 Days to Kickoff - Wheaton Warrenville South]

Biggest storyline: Can the Mustangs make a run towards a winning season in 2018?

Names to watch this season: TE Austin Frederick and SS Julian Wlodarczyk (North Dakota State)

Biggest holes to fill: The Mustangs will need to replace seven graduated starters on offense, including at key positions (QB/WR) this summer. 

EDGY's Early Take: The good news this fall for Metea Valley is that they bring back a defense with experience (seven returning starters). Plus, their team features a high level of speed and athleticism. Like other teams in the new-look DVC, they will play a school twice-- in this case, Metea plays Naperville North on Sept. 14 and Oct. 5. The key for the Mustangs this season will be getting off to a good start on the always-loaded regular season schedule.

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